Serious Shortage Protocols ( SSP's )

In February 2019, the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 were amended to introduce Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs).

Further changes will come into operation on 31 October 2019 in The Pharmaceutical Services (Amendments Relating to Serious Shortage Protocols) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019.

An SSP enables community pharmacists to supply a specified medicine in accordance with a protocol rather than a prescription and without the need to seek authorisation from the prescriber. An SSP would only be used in the case of a serious shortage if it is considered that it would help manage the supply situation.

Further information on SSPs will be made available on this page.

Last updated: 9th June 2023

Serious Shortage Protocol Guidance

Serious Shortage Protocol Archive

Letter From Cathy Harrison CPO re: Clarithromycin SSP UPDATE 26th May 2023

Letter From Cathy Harrison CPO re: Utrogestan 100mg caps SSP 22nd May 2023

SSP056 Utrogestan 100mg caps 19th May 2023

Serious Shortage Protocols: Submission Information for Contractors NI : Reminder 3rd Jan 2023

Letter from Cathy Harrison CPO - SSP - Progynova 100mcg patches 28th March 2023

Letter from Professor Cathy Harrison, CPO - SSP Extension- Progynova 100mcg Patch 9th June 2023

SSP052 - Progynova 100mcg patches this SSP has been varied. The revised expiry date is now Friday 8th September

SSP053 - Clarithromycin 125mg/5ml oral suspension 6th April 2023 This SSP has been varied. The expiry date is now 23rd June 2023